Kentucky Derby Picks: Projecting Finishing Order for Entire Field

The top three-year-old horses in the world will compete in the Kentucky Derby, and this year's main event is wide open.

Simply gaining inclusion into this prestigious race is an accomplishment on its own, but every competitor at Churchill Downs is looking to win. Still, there are a few leaders who have separated themselves from the pack.

With the experience of trainers, jockeys and the horses themselves all coming into play, here is a look at how the field should play out on May 4. 

Note: Photos courtesy of KentuckyDerby.com unless otherwise noted.

1. Goldencents

Until recently, Goldencents was barely considered a top contender in the Run for the Roses. The horse had a disappointing fourth-place finish at San Filipe and looked clearly behind others in terms of speed.

However, its latest performance at the Santa Anita Derby turned some heads. Goldencents won the Grade 1 race on a 1-1/8 mile track, which was its longest run to date.

Trainer Doug O'Neill is coming off a fantastic year where he led I'll Have Another to wins in the first two legs of the Triple Crown. He might have won the Belmont Stakes as well if not for an injury.

This team's experience and the ability to overcome bad performances will have it in the winner's circle on Saturday.

2. Orb

The Florida Derby winner is one of the hottest contenders in the field, taking first in each of its past four races.

Orb has shown the ability to not only get out in front and win straight through, but it also came from behind in its most recent race to overtake Itsmyluckyday. This is quite a change after not finishing better than third in any of its first three events.

Trainer Shug McGaughey recently said of his contender, "I've never had a horse show so much improvement over this short period of time at this time of the year" (via Paul Moran of ESPN).

The fact that Orb has shown the ability to do better in longer races should have people encouraged heading into the Kentucky Derby.

3. Verrazano 

Verrazano is likely to be the odds-on favorite on the day of the race, which is well-deserved after an incredible start to a career.

The horse has won all four races it has entered, including the Grade 1 Wood Memorial earlier this month. The pure speed is tough to argue with, as no one has been able to challenge the colt over the length of an entire race.

In addition, the experience of jockey John Velazquez is certain to provide a boost, especially on the final turn.

However, Verrazano still has a lot to prove as far as overcoming a large field full of many top competitors. It will not have that chance until the big race, which makes this a risky bet. Expecting another win might be too much to ask.

More Predictions

Finish	Horse
4	Revolutionary
5	Normandy Invasion
6	Itsmyluckyday
7	Vyjack
8	Overanalyze
9	Palace Malice
10	Oxbow
11	Falling Sky
12	Java's War
13	Will Take Charge
14	Mylute
15	Frac Daddy
16	Lines of Battle
17	Black Onyx
18	Fear the Kitten
19	Charming Kitten
20	Golden Soul

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